VerticalResponse for AppExchange Blog

How VR Postcards Enhance Email Marketing Success

 
While we spend a lot of time discussing the many advantages of Email Marketing, there is still a time and place for Direct Mail. Did you know  VerticalResponse for AppExchange includes an integrated Postcard tool? Adding Postcards to your outreach efforts can help boost customer engagement and grow your email lists. See our top tips on how postcards can enhance email marketing success:

1. Expand Your Reach
   Not everyone reads their email. Reach a new segment of your contacts who may not see the email messages you send.
2. Cut Through Online Clutter
   Distinguish your brand and message by sending a tangible reminder to your online contacts outside of your normal email conversations.
3. Stay Top-of-Mind with Greetings
   Postcards are a terrific medium for greetings and thank you notes. Send existing customers an annual holiday or birthday card, or send a thank-you card to your newest customers. Both are terrific ways to boost repeat business.
4. Reconnect with Lost Contacts
   Customers' email addresses change more often than their physical addresses. Send a postcard asking bounced or unresponsive email contacts to visit your website and update their contact info online.
5. Grow Your Customer Database
   Unlike email list rules, it's perfectly acceptable to rent or buy Postal mailing lists. Use a reputable list vendor such as D&B or InfoUSA to gain access to a whole new population of contacts. Be sure to ask new postal contacts to opt in to your email lists.

 Download Our Postcard Tips & Tricks

View Our Text Tutorial: "Why Use Postcards"

Email Etiquette Dos and Don'ts

When I was growing up my dad would pull out Emily Post's Etiquette for serious dinner table discussions - like proper manners for formal dinners, introductions, greetings, clothes, thank you notes, weddings and more. He had the first edition from 1922, and a lot has changed since then...a biggie being the internet, and how it has transformed our lives at work and home.

So, I thought it would be fun to talk about email etiquette for the modern day. Whether it's a personal email, work/company email, or an email marketing message going out to your customers, there are general guidelines to follow that will strike a friendly chord with the person on the receiving end.

Email Etiquette Dos and Don'ts: 

1. Before you get started, ask yourself why you're sending this email. What's the purpose?
2. Do remember there's a person on the other end of the email.
3. Don't send an email out of anger.
   
4. Do ensure the subject line relates to the email content.
5. Don't address the recipient incorrectly (i.e., your personalization should be accurate).
6. Do spell check.
7. Don't send or launch before you edit and proof.
   
8. Do check the tone - how will it be received?
   
9. Don't write a novel.
10. Do communicate clearly and concisely.
    
11. Don't lose your message or point.
    
12. Do use scannable bullet points and short paragraphs.
13. Don't write in ALL CAPS.
14. Do use images.
    
15. Don't use too many images.
    
16. Do have a friendly salutation and a sincere good-bye.
17. Don't hesitate to say thank you.
18. Do make sure you have the correct recipient (i.e., check your mailing list).
19. Don't include incorrect or broken links.
20. Do provide a signature, contact information and company website.
21. And finally: Type unto others as you would have them type unto you (phrase compliments of 101 Email Etiquette Tips). 

There are lots of resources and email etiquette tips across the web. What are your favorites? Do you have a pet peeve?

Related Posts:

• Adding Links in Your Emails - Why, What, and How?
• RELEVANT Content is King
• Top 10 Things to Test to Put Your Email on the Top 10 List!
  

Posted by Amber Ricchetti

Amber Ricchetti is the Lifecycle Marketing Manager at VerticalResponse. She blogs here about all things related to marketing & copywriting. Connect with her on Twitter at @Gldnamby.

Essential Fall Holidays to Recall

What is it about fall that’s so appealing? Is it the crispness in the air, the vibrant oranges and yellows that emerge, football season, or the slight hint of cinnamon in just about everything? Whatever it is, fall is here and we've just hit the tip of the holiday iceberg. So, compiled below is a list of fall holidays and observances for you to warm up to. Send an email with a frighteningly good sale, holiday happenings or turkey tips - all with a little sugar and spice!

October:

• 10/15: National Poetry Day
  
• 10/16: National Boss’ Day
• 10/31: Halloween

November:

• 11/6: Daylight Saving Time Ends
• 11/8: Election Day (US)
• 11/11: Veterans Day (US)
• 11/24: Thanksgiving (US)
• 11/25: Black Friday
• 11/26: Islamic New Year
• 11/26: Small Biz Saturday
• 11/28: Cyber Monday

VerticalResponse Postcards Holiday Submission Deadlines

*Note: Postcards ordered from VerticalResponse must be completed and sent to the printer by October 17 to be delivered by Halloween and November 10 to be delivered for Thanksgiving.

Posted by: Colleen Corkery

Colleen Corkery is the Lifecycle Marketing Coordinator at VerticalResponse. She writes and reaps about all email-related things. Connect with her on Twitter at @youcollme

Yep, It's Holiday Prep Time Again

As much as we love the holidays for the opportunity to spread cheer, participate in festivities and share warm fuzzy moments of sipping hot cocoa and declaring what we're thankful for, we can't deny the later months are also characterized by holiday-themed marketing chock-full of Christmas, Hanukkah and Turkey Day specials. So the question remains, how do we jump ahead of the curve and seize the opportunity to entice consumer spending with the perfect winter wonderland special? We've got the answer!  

Don't Be a Scrooge: Nothing gets us more into the holiday spending spirit than browsing through our favorite department store to the sound of winter wonderland in a setting of shiny golds, deep reds and forest greens. The same concept applies to browsing bookmarked websites or receiving an email from our favorite senders. Whether it's in emails, on websites, or in your blog, don't be a scrooge when it comes to holiday theming. So get in the spirit and include a festive graphic in your newsletter, craft holiday-themed subject lines, or apply a seasonal color scheme to your homepage to get your customers excited for the next holiday. Their cheery mood will have a positive impact on your brand and overall revenue.

'Tis the Season of Giving: The holiday season is characterized by higher spending rates and more shopping, but that doesn't mean your customers, clients and prospects aren't looking to save a few dollars in the process. Providing a two-for-one deal, a discount on your annual renewal, a percentage off setup or subscription fees, or a credit to your existing customers' account will go a long way and boost your business' earnings this holiday season.

Give Thanks: It's the time to give thanks, and one of the most effective methods for creating and keeping loyal customers is expressing an appreciation for their business. This can be achieved through something as simple as a sending a thank you email or postcard. Thanking your clients and customers for their patronage without asking for something in return will not only make them feel they are important but it will shed a positive light on your brand and keep you top of mind over your competitors.

 

Get a head start on your holiday marketing and don't be afraid to start early. Extending the season's theme will not only maximize holiday benefits for your business but it will keep you present (pun intended) and set you apart from your lagging competitors. Thanks for reading! We hope these holiday tips help you keep-up the cheer and remain jolly this holiday season.

Savannah Stewart is the Partner Marketing Coordinator at VerticalResponse and blogs here about all things related to marketing and B2B communication. Connect with her on Twitter at @savannahstewart.